Calcium and Magnesium Uptake by Barley Seedlings

Abstract

Measurements have been made of calcium and magnesium uptake to barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare) growing on nutrient solutions. Uptake to the shoot increased with solution concentration and showed a preference for magnesium, largely due to the action of transpiration. Though uptake of both ions was increased by higher transpiration, magnesium was more affected than was calcium. In the root, calcium was taken up preferentially to magnesium, and the levels were not affected by transpiration rate.